WHAT IS THE KEYSTONE DIVISION?

The Keystone Division (Division 2) of the Mid Central Region, of the National Model Railroad Association, a non-profit corporation, is an informal association of model railroaders who enjoy getting together on a regular basis to share common interest.

We are chartered under the Mid-Central Region (MCR) of the NMRA.

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WHERE DO MEMBERS LIVE?

Southwestern PA (Pittsburgh and surrounding counties), parts of northern West Virginia, and the part of Ohio in and around Steubenville.

Counties in Pennsylvania:
Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington, and Westmoreland

Counties in Ohio:
Belmont, Jefferson, Monroe, and Noble

Counties in West Virginia:
Barbour, Brook, Doddridge, Grant, Hancock, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Monongalia, Ohio, Preston, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, Wetzel

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WHEN AND WHERE ARE MEETINGS HELD?

We meet monthly except July and December, at various locations - Model RR clubs, historic sites, members homes, etc on the third Sunday of the Month at 2:30. The exact time and place is announced via our monthly publication "The Keystone Flyer" and on this website, www.KeystoneDivision.org.

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CAN ANYONE ATTEND YOUR MEETINGS?

Guests are always welcome to come and meet their fellow modelers.

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WHAT DO YOU DO AT MEETINGS?

Most meetings are designed to be a social gathering combined with a modeling and learning experience. We enjoy our members' layouts and models, discuss model techniques and prototype railroad subjects. The program each month usually includes a clinic which in the past have included rock casting coloring, layout design, and slides of favorite prototype railroads. There is a short business meeting and a 'Bring N Brag' popular voting model contest.

One advantage of coming to our meetings is to see what the other members are doing. You can get ideas to inspire your own modeling efforts and find that people are interested in your ideas!

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WHAT WIILL IT COST ME TO JOIN?

Membership in The Keystone Division is FREE to members of the NMRA. Members receive the Keystone Flyer, a newsletter sent out 10 times a year by e-mail. It is required that you are to be members of the NMRA and the Mid-Central Region. NMRA dues are $50 per year without the NMRA Magazine, or $82 per year with the NMRA Magazine, or $9 per year for a family member. There is no cost for MCR membership.

There is also, available for a limited time, the NMRA Rail Pass for $19.95.

We are the "grass roots" of the organization and interest in regional or national participation often starts with us!

For more information, or to join the NMRA, click here!

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DO I HAVE TO MODEL IN A PARTICULAR SCALE TO BE A MEMBER?

Emphatically not! Our members are involved in practically all the model scales from Z to G and most in between. You will find common interests here, regardless of the scale you like. Many members are into photography and rail fanning and have no layout!

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IS THE DIVISION LIKE A "CLUB"?

No. We are an informal group. Most clubs have a common permanent layout that all members contribute to and operate. We concentrate on developing the talents, layouts and other modeling interests of our individual members.

Members interested in operating or working on their layouts often get together between regular division meetings and help each other.

The Division has a Modular HO layout under construction, there are no dues to participate! Just another benefit of NMRA Membership!

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MUST I BE AN EXPERT TO JOIN?

Not at all! We continually learn from each other. All you need is a common interest in railroads and the hobby of model railroading.

For More information, feel free to come to a meeting or contact any officer!

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HOW IS THE DIVISION ORGANIZED?

Our organization structure is kept simple. We have a Division Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, a Clerk/Secretary and Treasurer. There are also appointed Committee Chairman to oversee our annual Jamboree, Train Show, Contests, Company Store, Video Library, etc.

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WHAT IS THE NMRA?

The National Model Railroad Association was founded to set standards so that when you bought a train related item you knew it would work with what you already had.

The NMRA is still the key organization in this area with their most recent and visible standard the DCC Standard. You can buy decoders from anybody and you're assured they'll work with your or anybody's DCC system.

The NMRA is SO much more, though. It organizes national, regional and local conventions that entertain and educate. You can compete in modeling contests, attend clinics to improve your skills, learn about the prototype, ride real trains and meet some really cool people. The NMRA is people, it is you and me!

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THE KEYSTONE DIVISION SUMMARY

The National Model Railroad Association is divided up into Regions and those into Divisions. The Keystone Division is Division 2 of the Mid Central Region, and we cover most of West Virginia, part of SE Ohio, and SW Pennsylvania.

We meet monthly, at local club layouts, train stations, museums and the like. Each meeting lasts about 20 minutes, followed by a program - it could be a hands on how to clinic, a slide show, or any type of railroad related item. We have a contest each month as well, culminating in Modeler of The Year award. We have a video library and a company store that are present at the meetings as well. Plus there is usually a layout open or a prototype tour or something similar to enjoy.